Planning for Local Budget Reductions: Justifying county budgets is difficult. But it does provide an opportunity to educate county departments/boards/executives on the value extension programs bring to a county. As you plan….

• Include affected faculty and staff in preparing information and in decision making

• Demonstrate program impacts

• Use quantitative information whenever possible

• Work to minimize the impact while retaining control of where reductions occur

Questions to consider include:

1. Can capital expenses be eliminated or delayed?

2. Can the professional development budget be reduced without harm to the
   program?

3. What low priority functions can be reduced, eliminated or can be funded with fees?

4. Are there revenue generation options?

5. What efficiencies could be explored? Examples include sharing resources across
   county lines, using e-mail communications to save printing and mailing costs, or
   having volunteers manage websites.

When Non-personnel Items Are Not Enough: Counties facing significant reductions may need to reduce faculty or staff. To the extent possible, involve affected parties, including extension committee members or other stakeholders, in these discussions. Maintaining the core extension program staff is a priority.

Impact on State Extension Budget: The Governor’s Proposed budget impacts both state and local funding that supports UWEX programs. Both partners need to work together to address these challenges. If the Governor’s proposed budget is approved, Cooperative Extension faces a $321,707 budget reduction. Another $172,687 reduction is needed in both 2002 and 2003 to cover the unfunded portion of pay plan and fringe benefit increases. To date, these reductions have been absorbed by the state.